A white-sand beach with thatch umbrellas in Cancun, Mexico

Holidays to Cancun

Tequila, tacos, tunes, temples, tremendous beaches and tropical weather – that’s a Cancún holiday down to a T!

Caribbean connection

Cancún isn’t just a pretty face, it’s got depth, too! Along with the city’s well-established white sandy Caribbean beaches (more on this below), there are epic dive sites waiting to be explored on the reefs below.

Check out tropical fishes, whale sharks (in the summer) and more but make sure you don’t miss the Museo Subacuático de Arte (Underwater Museum of Art). We’re talking 500 sculptures of real locals set up to ten metres below the surface!

All-in for all-inclusives

Cancún holidays are as easy as a laid back Caribbean breeze. Fly direct from the UK and shuttle straight to your all-inclusive with everything you could possibly need just a tasty taco’s throw away.

Here you’ll not only find pools, bars, restaurants, spas, evening shows, playgrounds and kids’ clubs (phew!), but also some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico – and right on your doorstep!

Mayan gateway

Set aside a day to explore the Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula and prepare for some epic historical attractions. Coastal Tulum and Chichén Itzá are must-visits. For the latter, the iconic pyramid temple El Castillo, aka the Temple of Kukulcan, is the absolute star of the show.

For ultimate envy-inducing travel pics, stop by a cenote on your way back. These water-filled sinkholes are often surrounded by lush vegetation or found in caves dripping in stalactites – seriously magical swimming spots!

Fiesta forever

The party doesn’t stop after spring break – Cancún is a year-round fiesta! Whether you stick to the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) or head downtown, the vibe is unreal.

For a night to (mostly) remember, hit up the legendary Coco Bongo in the Hotel Zone for incredible tunes, video projections and acrobatic performances that literally elevate the whole experience!

Sneak Peek

Best for... Beach parties, Caribbean all-inclusives and insanely good food 🏝️

Go... between December and April for peak partying and beach conditions 🎉

You have to... Get that extra taco or two – you’re on your hols, there are no regrets here 🌮 🌮

Cancun holiday deals

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Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort

4.1

Very Good

Isla Cozumel, Cancun, Mexico
  • 6 October 2025
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Gatwick

Prices from

£553 pp
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Coco Rio

4.2

Very Good

Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico
  • 6 October 2025
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Gatwick

Prices from

£574 pp
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Hotel Hul-Ku

4.1

Very Good

Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico
  • 30 October 2025
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Gatwick

Prices from

£581 pp
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Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Details

Currency

Mexican Peso, American Dollar

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT -6

Cost of a beer

45 MXN

3-course meal

400 MXN

Flight time

11.5 hrs

Hotel-front paradise

You’re seriously spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on a Cancún holiday! The best ones, all postcard-perfect soft white sand and turquoise sea, are on the Zona Hotelera, possibly right in front of your hotel!

Follow the music and you’ll find Playa Gaviota Azul. Day or night, this is where the party’s at! Not your thing? Playa San Miguelito may lack amenities, but as a result, it’s much quieter. There are even some Mayan ruins here to check out if you can tear yourself off the beach!

Markets and margs

Whether you’re here to splurge or save, you’ll stay well-fed in Cancún! Feeling like a cheapo lunch? Downtown tacos trucks are what you need! Elsewhere, the city’s first public market, Mercado 23, is great if you want a bit of everything. Carnitas (pulled pork) tacos are local faves. Don’t forget the churros, of course.

From sashimi to shrimp tostadas, seafood dominates Cancún’s menus! Choose a beachfront restaurant in the Zona Hotelera for toes-in-the-sand dining. Drinks? Make it a spicy margarita!

24/7 spring break

In the Zona Hotelera, beachfront Mandela is open all week, throwing out massive parties with weekly Mardi Gras and spring break-esque Gone Wild theme nights. The legendary Señor Frog’s is right next door, too.

In El Centro, 11:11 is the biggest LGBTQ+ club in town with drag queens and go-go dancers bringing the vibes! To channel your inner VVIP, get dolled up for the swanky HRoof in the Hotel Zone.

When to go to Cancun

A proper winter sun hotspot, Cancún’s at its wildest from December to April, especially over the festive season, as well as Easter and spring break. This is also one of the best times to be on the beach with consistently sunny, dry weather.

The humidity’s strong in the holiday months of July and August, but it’s still a popular time to be in Cancún. This is also when the whale sharks are in town (June to mid-September). Joining them for a swim is an easy way to hide your Monica from Friends hair!

For cheap Cancún holidays, look at May to June or September to November. It means taking your chances in hurricane season, but most days are sunny and the party still rocks on!


Places to stay in Cancun